As the sun set on October 5, 2024, a pivotal chapter in Pakistan’s history unfolded. On this day, an outpouring of public sentiment—bravery, enthusiasm, and resolve—emerged in a manner unlike anything seen in recent times. Iconic images from Islamabad depicted citizens peacefully making their way, backed by soldiers granting them passage. These powerful visuals evoked a sense of unity among the people, yet the overwhelming complexity of the situation calls for deeper reflection beyond mere observation.
While individual events and details painted a vivid picture, the broader context of Pakistan’s direction remained obscured. The ruling elite—Sharif, Zardari, and Asim—continued their political games, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) core committee wisely chose not to call off protests. This moment requires clarity beyond fragmented news reports.
Consider the detention of Ali Amin Gandapur, arrested under questionable circumstances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ongoing debates about whether he was detained or arrested distract from the real implications: what does this mean for governance? Will the assembly be dissolved? What about the governor’s rule? These questions demand urgent answers.
The military’s involvement in Islamabad was framed as protection for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. Yet, it is perplexing that the army would be called upon to safeguard an event where no international leaders are expected before the 15th. This situation raises suspicions about the intentions behind these manoeuvres.
In these turbulent times, important questions must be posed to the military, its officers, and the powerful media barons of Pakistan. What should the business community in Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad be asking? What reactions can be expected from the West, and how should the country respond? These questions loom large, demanding immediate attention.
Reflecting on the responsibilities of military officers—from captains to brigadiers—at this historical juncture, it becomes crucial to consider whether they recognize their role in shaping history. Pakistan’s military has historically been employed against various groups, from Baloch to Bengalis, and now it risks being deployed against its own people. This moment is critical. Will the military stand on the right side of history or align itself with the repressive regimes of the past?
The recent actions of Mohsin Naqvi, the poster boy of the current regime, underscore a troubling commitment to law. Ironically, the very actions of this government fuel public dissent. The masses have taken to the streets in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Lahore to oppose the lawlessness that has emerged under this regime. They stand against orchestrated attempts to undermine the Supreme Court and the high court system.
It is essential to recognize that the current protests are not mere civil disobedience; they are a stand against the systematic erosion of the judicial system. The people are fighting against a regime that seeks to dismantle the institutions that could provide relief from the injustices they face. This moment serves as a poignant reminder that the courts represent a bulwark against tyranny.
To the military, the weight of responsibility must be acknowledged. Global publications, including The New York Times, have highlighted the potential consequences of blind obedience to unlawful orders. The Nuremberg Trials established that following orders is not a valid defence for crimes against humanity. Officers must discern the legality of orders that may lead to violence against their own people.
Recent actions of the Pakistan Army, particularly in relation to Islamabad and Lahore, warrant scrutiny. The use of force against civilians—justified by law but enacted with violence—challenges the very foundations of society. This is a critical moment of reflection for the military, one that will define its legacy.
What is at stake is not just the political stability of Pakistan but its very soul. Will the military choose to uphold ethical responsibilities and act as protector of the people, or will it become an instrument of oppression, as seen in the past? This moment demands introspection and moral clarity, with history poised to judge those who fail to rise to the occasion.
The time for passive acceptance of orders is over. Officers must ask themselves: are they willing to be complicit in the ongoing erosion of justice and peace? The consequences of inaction will echo through history, and the citizens of Pakistan deserve a military that stands with them, not against them.
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